11282 - Laboratory of Physical Chemistry II

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to acquaint the students with the practice of experimental physical chemistry, to illustrate the experimental aspects of some of the topics treated theoretically in the Physical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry of Materials lecture course and to lead to their better understanding.

The following objectives will be pursued:

1. To apply the principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy presented in the physical chemistry lecture courses, in some illustrative experiments.

2. To gain familiarity with a variety of physico-chemical measurement techniques and equipments.

3. To develop experimental skills and the ability to work independently.

4. To train students to observe experiments, keep records of the observations made and analyse the data critically.

5. To teach students to present experimental results and write reports clearly, concisely and consistently.

Course contents

Solutions to selected numerical problems in the lecture section.

Experiments in the lab:

- Solution calorimetry.

- Phase diagram of a binary solid-liquid system.

- Capillary kinematic viscosimetry.

- Surface tension of pure liquids and of solutions.

- Kinetics: back-isomerization of a photochromic compound followed by absorption spectra.

- Construction and functioning of a twisted nematic liquid crystal display.

Readings/Bibliography

P.W. Atkins, Elementi di Chimica Fisica, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2000.

Lecture notes and additional educational material.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures and practice both in the classroom and in the laboratories. Most of the work concerns practical training in the laboratories. The results obtained in each experiment are discussed in the lab and in the classroom; each student is then requested to write a short report in his/her lab notebook.

Attendance in the lab is mandatory.

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the students will be made on the basis of two components:

1. Lab notebook. Each report in the lab notebook will be graded based on the following criteria: organization, understanding of the experiment, clearness, completeness, readability and internal coherence.

2. Global laboratory skills. In each experiment the level of performance will be assessed considering care on preparation and execution of the experiment, housekeeping, attendance and punctuality.

Since the Physical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry of Materials course is integrated with the Laboratory, a single (written and oral) exam allows the student to obtain the credits relative to the Integrated Course (IC). A poor grade in the Laboratory course does not limit the admission to the IC examination, but it will, of course, negatively contribute to the final mark.

Teaching tools

The didactical activities in the classroom are supported by the use of overhead projector, video-presentations and whiteboard. All the material employed during the lessons is made available to the students. The experimental work is carried out in the practical laboratories and requires the assignment of an instrumental working place and of all the experimental material employed in the practical work.